Jewel of a 100-bike collection: The 1974 Ducati 750SS Corsa

Carlo Saltarelli has Ducati blood in his veins. He’s a former racer, test rider and dealership owner, and over the years, he’s built up a 100-bike collection of classic Ducatis. For us, the highlight is this beautiful 1974 750SS Corsa: it’s one of Saltarelli’s own race bikes, and took him to several podium finishes during the 1974 and 1975 seasons.

This machine probably started life as a 750GT and was uprated to competition spec by Reparto Corse Ducati. As you would expect, the components are mouthwatering: twin Dell’Orto PHM 40 mm carburettors, lightweight pistons and competition cams, plus a lightweight clutch and an oil cooler.

Suspension is Marzocchi all round, with adjustable shocks at the back. Scarab brakes (designed to a Lockheed pattern at the front) work on Borrani wheels; a Veglia competition tach is fitted to Tommaselli bars. Originally painted grey and bearing the number 43, the 750SS was soon refinished in the gorgeous livery you see here with the number 23.

At a recent RM Auctions sale, the 750SS was offered without reserve and sold for €40,950 ($45,000). That’s about $10,000 more than a Ducati Panigale R—but if you ask us, that makes it a bargain.